The Chevy Impala is a name with a lot of history attached. One of General Motors (GM) oldest models, it first debuted in 1958 and for a time was the best-selling automobile in the country. Chevy today announced its plans for the new 2014 Impala, which was previewed at the New York Auto Show.

The new model will be based around three different engines:

2.4 L LUK Ecotec 182 hp (136 kW) I4 w/ eAssist

2.5 L Ecotec 197 hp (147 kW) I4

3.6 L LFX 303 hp (226 kW) V6

All of the engines will come with six-speed transmissions -- increasingly an industry standard, given that more gears helps automakers better balance power and fuel efficiency.

The 2014 Chevy Impala [Image Source: GM]

The eAssist model uses GM's second generation belt-driven battery/motor system. While less powerful than power-split architectures where the generator is directly driven by the drive shaft, the second gen system does offer more hybrid energy recapture, with a 15 kW (20 hp) motor-generator that delivers 79 lb·ft (107 N·m) of torque. Further, it's inexpensive and simple, making cost of ownership and repairs less intense than with traditional power-split hybrids like Toyota Motor Comp.'s (TYO:7203) best-selling Prius.

The Ecotec engines also bring direct injection to the Impala for the first time. Cumulatively these allow the 2.4L LUK Ecotect/eAssist Impala to get an estimated 35 MPG.

Front Engine, Front wheel drive or Rear Engine, Rear Wheel Drive. Most econobox cars are "FF" type (most cars today, now that I think about it). RR is quite a bit rarer. The non-AWD Porsche 911's are all "RR" cars. The engine tends to sit on or behind the rear wheels, and drives the rear wheels.

As opposed to "FR" which is Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive. Or "MR" Mid Engine, Rear Wheel drive. Though I can't think of a car that was "MF" (Mid Engine, Front Wheel Drive).